Electric start
1975 Norton 850cc Commando

Description

Electric start
1975 Norton 850cc Commando

Norton’s owners, AMC, were acquired by Manganese Bronze Holdings in 1966, and the new motorcycle division became Norton Villiers. The Norton Commando 750 was announced in 1967 and became available in 1968. With an engine derived from the Atlas, it featured a new type of frame dubbed ‘Isolastic’, which effectively insulated the rider from vibration by means of rubber-mounting the engine, gearbox, and rear wheel. The model proved to be a hit with the public, who bought it in good numbers. The Commando was voted Motor Cycle News ‘Machine of the year’ for five years running from 1968 to 1972. After the end of 1973 the 750 was discontinued in favor of the new 850 variant which had emerged earlier in the year, running alongside the 750. Progressing through several versions, eventually the 850 incorporated an electric start on the Mark III models released in late 1974/early 1975.

The motorbike offered

Starting from a straight and true frame, freshly powder coated, the originl rebuilt engine and gearbox was reinstalled and the rest of the bike built up around it. Colorado Norton Works supplied a cNw stainless steel triple tree installation kit, and ARP engine mount kit, rebuilt the wheels with new tires ($2,300), upgraded fork seal holder, head steady and handlebars. From Old Brits of Enumclaw, Washington parts sourced were a single carb conversion kit with 36mm Mikuni carb and K&N air filter, pea shooter mufflers, Isolastic MkIII conversions for front and rear, new seat, swingarm pivot spindle, fasteners, chain adjusters, rubber items, etc. The bike is offered in truly fantastic riding condition. It is taut and strong and feels like a new bike. The bike starts ridiculously easily and has immense power, comparable to a modern retro machine if not better. The clutch is effortless and it shifts faultlessly and with no noticeable clunk. The suspension is butter-smooth and the brakes are powerful. The classic Norton gauges hide modern electrics and a digital odometer, which reads only 1,200 miles, likely since the build. The owner of this bike unfortunately passed away and we are selling for his widow. As such, we are missing a lot of information on the build of this bike, but every element has been restored and/or modified on this machine to feel like a modern bike. It is very reminiscent of the new Triumph Bonneville 1200. Truly not a bike to be missed.